Nick Canepa's report card: 2011 Chargers

San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) talks with head coach Norv Turner during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
— AP

San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) talks with head coach Norv Turner during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
/ AP

If the Chargers really went to school in 2011, they would have come terribly close to being held back as a total unit, from GM, to head coach, on down. Even when they started 4-1 they knew they weren’t performing like valedictorians-to-be. This bunch’s collective football IQ — remember, their own Shaun Phillips tweeted about them doing dumb things — didn’t qualify the group for the Manhattan Project’s club team.

In some classes they did things very well, but it was rare when they put it together in all three subjects. There were too many turnovers and they didn’t get enough. Their personality was split. They muscled up for thugs such as the Ravens and Raiders but in the middle of that bagel they went strictly cream cheese.

With that in mind, here is my final report card on their season. At least they could have brought teacher an apple instead of the olive that got stuck in their throats. The grades are 8-8 generous.

Quarterback: C

As Philip Rivers goes, so go the Chargers, and they finished 8-8. Rivers himself will tell you he screwed up, throwing 20 picks, making people wonder if he were hurt or that his six small children were keeping him up at night. He was back to his old self later in the season and made the Pro Bowl, largely because few AFC quarterbacks had great years. Probably saved Norv Turner’s job. He’s 30 now, hardly old, but it’s getting close to the time when GM A.J. Smith doesn’t follow in mentor Bill Polian’s shadow and drafts a future QB.

Running backs: C+

Ryan Mathews is a talent and he had a 1,000-yard season. But he came to camp in terrible shape. The trainers and coaches have to sit on this young man. He misses too much time with injuries that may be correctable. He’s also holding onto the ball better, although his fumbling habit may keep him from getting in more near the goal line. If Norv is afraid to use him there, he shouldn’t use him at all. Your best back should get the ball down close. His pass protection, while not Marcus Allenish, has gotten better. Mike Tolbert is a more than capable backup — when he doesn’t put on a Barry Sanders act and try to be something he’s not. Doubles as a fine special teams guy. Fullback Jacob Hester is a solid, dependable football player.

Receivers: B

When tight end Antonio Gates and wideouts Vincent Jackson and Malcom Floyd are whole, there are few better groups in the NFL. But that doesn’t happen often enough. My guess is the club makes the playoffs if this trio played 2011 healthy. If Smith allows Jackson to depart through free agency, it will be a terrible blow to this offense, which is terrific and capable of outscoring people despite defensive lapses (which the Patriots and Packers managed) when The Three Caballeros are on the grass. Rookie Vincent Brown looks like a catch, Patrick Crayton has made some critical plays and backup tight end Randy McMichael is just a good football player who does things right far more often than not. If Jackson returns, no help needed.

Offensive line: A

Given what the big uglies had to work through, there can be no other grade. The Pro Bowl left side of the line (guard Kris Dielman and tackle Marcus McNeill) was gone for a good chunk with injuries and the team struggled and so did Rivers in the process. But Smith went and got mammoth left tackle Jared Gaither, who had been cut by Kansas City, and he helped save Turner’s job. Tyronne Green played stoutly at left guard, right guard Louis Vasquez came back from an injury and played well and right tackle Jeromey Clary once again held his own. Nick Hardwick is one of the best centers in the game, but if he, Dielman and McNeill retire en masse, there is an enormous problem here. Re-signing Gaither is an absolute must. The man is a building with good feet.

Defensive line: C-

Not good enough. Not enough penetration, not good enough vs. the run. Vaughn Martin, the project, is starting to come around at end, as is Cam Thomas. But they are not All-Pros. Nose tackle Antonio Garay plays too many snaps and he’s not as good when he does. Starting left end Luis Castillo was lost after he broke his leg in the opener. Rookie No. 1, end Corey Liuget, was OK. No impact players yet. More good beef is needed here.

Linebackers: C-

Injuries forced them to play too much. With the very capable Phillips missing time with a bad foot and Larry English out with a broken foot, outside backers Antwan Barnes and Travis LaBoy, pass-rush specialists, took far too many snaps. Same for Takeo Spikes on the inside. After missing his freshman season, Donald Butler came back and had a strong year. More speed, depth and help are needed here.

Secondary: D

Lack of a consistent pass rush didn’t help, but with the exception of Pro Bowl free safety Eric Weddle, who made plays, this group either underachieved or wasn’t good enough. The Bob Sanders experiment at strong safety failed early, leaving Steve Gregory, who knows how to play, but should not be a starter in The League. Corner Quentin Jammer has lost a step and should be moved to strong, where he might excel. Corner Antoine Cason had a disappointing year, although he continues to show in spurts that he can play in the league. More speed and talent definitely is needed here, and Smith and Turner must address strong safety.

Special teams: B

Rich Bisaccia was brought in to take over the worst special teams unit in NFL history and he did a terrific job, despite losing place-kicker Nate Kaeding on the season’s opening play, which was a return for a touchdown. Coverage was infinitely better after that. Kickoff returner Richard Goodman had a 105-yarder in the final game at Oakland and finished third in the NFL in average. Nick Novak was fine as Kaeding’s replacement and has the leg for touchbacks, which Kaeding does not. Punter Mike Scifres remains among the game’s elite, although he often didn’t have much work to do because the offense failed so much in scoring territory. A dangerous punt returner is needed.

Coaching: C-

Norv has returned and hopefully his bosses have informed him he needs to improve game and clock management. This was a reprieve. He needs a constant sideline adviser so he doesn’t again tell us he didn’t know Ryan Mathews was on the bench in a critical situation. No question he was a limited play caller with his O-line banged up, but far too often his team failed in the red zone. Too many field goals means too many losses if your defense isn’t good enough. The firing of coordinator Greg Manusky was necessary. The defense was far too soft at times. It’s doubtful John Pagano will be worse.

Next opportunity: Inc.

Signing marquee free agents doesn’t always mean a quick fix (see Philadelphia), but Smith must go against his grain and bring in one or two on defense, and perhaps one on offense — if he mistakenly allows Jackson to depart. This will be a critical draft for him. He needs more speed, strength, intelligence and depth on defense. All is not lost.